MEDIA RELEASE

Sport and Recreation South Africa in partnership with Cricket South Africa will celebrate South Africa’s 20 years of democracy during the third Cricket Test match between South Africa and Australia that takes place at Newlands from 1 – 5 March 2014. 27 April 2014 will end the second decade of our freedom. All South Africans will recall the momentous events leading up to 27th April 1994 and should take this opportunity to reflect on the next 20 years, and the kind of South Africa we collectively want by 2034. “I consider this third and final test match between South Africa and Australia, the two best test playing nations in the world an ideal opportunity for further international exposure of our significant milestone and positioning South Africa as a great country, and one of the best destinations for major international sport events. This event also provides the unique setting for millions of cricket fans throughout the world to join in a celebration not only of our freedom and democracy but also in unity and friendship across the world. It also affords South Africa an opportunity to express its deepest appreciation and sincerest gratitude to Australia for its staunch support during our long struggle against apartheid,” stated, Mr Fikile Mbalula, the Minister of Sport and Recreation South Africa. “Cricket South Africa (CSA) is indeed greatly honoured to be able to play a significant role in the celebration of 20 years of our country’s young democracy. During this time sport has played a meaningful role to unify and uplift our nation. This Test match between arguably the two best teams in the world will continue our contribution to this process. “Our rivalry with Australia is renowned for the many good qualities that cricket stimulates: intense competition on the field that remains within the boundaries of fair play and good camaraderie off It.” stated Mr Haroon Lorgat, CEO of Cricket South Africa This event is also historic since it was on 8 March 1994 that South Africa beat Australia in the first match played between these 2 countries since our admission to the international sporting arena, at Wanderers in Johannesburg. It thus also marks a 20 year celebration of our first victory against our respected rivals. We also take this opportunity to celebrate the achievements made by Cricket South Africa in the last 20 years and acknowledge our cricketers and cricket administrators who fought long and hard for our democracy. The programme for the celebration is as follows: · 150 Learners from Schools in and around Khayelitsha will be coached by former and current cricket players who will be in attendance, namely, Gary Kirsten, Peter Kirsten, Paul Adams, and Monde Zondeki as well as players from the Cape Cobras. · In addition 300 learners will get an opportunity to attend the Test matches on Day 4 and 5. · The Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mr Fikile Mbalula and other dignitaries will be part of the line up at the start of the Test match for the signing of the National anthem. · A formal cocktail dinner has been planned to officially celebrate our 20 years of democracy, the achievements in Cricket for the last 20 years and the retirement of Jacques Kallis, one of the World’s best cricket all-rounder.